Month: May 2018

March 6th Makeup

| Megan

 

  1. It is important for scientists to effectively communicate with others for many reasons. In order for people to take the correct actions that are backed by science, they need to know all of the facts about the appropriate topic. Science also provides a clear way to categorize information into a pros and cons list which can be helpful in deciding if action and which actions need to take place.
  2.  An issue that I am passionate about is climate change. Science can be used to better understand the causes and effects of climate change. Science can also be used to come up with new ways to combat climate change. Scientists have already made many strides in making more sustainable technology. More research and overall work need to be done in order to fix the current state of our environment.
  3. I think Dr. Wilson’s approach to the EPA lawsuit was very impactful. I strongly believe that Dr. Wilson staying on the advisory board even when the EPA was pushing people like her to resign was the right thing to do. I also think a lawsuit towards the EPA is a good idea. It not only brings light to the issues but gives scientists like her a platform to speak out against the EPA’s actions. I also believe that Dr. Wilson side is correct, just because a scientist receives funding does not mean they are incapable of fairly serving on a board. Many scientists could not do the work that they do without the funding they receive. There is a risk that Dr. Wilson’s funding could be taken away due to this lawsuit, but I believe that is a risk worth taking. If one sees a problem and has the means to fix it and yet does nothing, then what will the world be?

Mini Film Festival Make UP

| Megan
  1. One thing that was common in all of the films was that the focus of the films was on younger people taking action on issues that they saw. Martinez and Dokoupil both focused on environmental issues. Whereas Aunt Flow, Columbus neighborhood, and Boo Radley focused on social issues. Another common thing was that the issues brought up were all ones that the subjects appeared to be passionate about. Another commonality was that they were all working without the help from adults or major institutions.
  2. The individuals and groups use many methods to bring forth change. Martinez worked with others to sue the federal government. Whereas Aunt flow used people buying their products to send another one to those in need. Koupil cut back personally on her trash consumption in order to help cut back on overall waste. She also talked to others to encourage them to do the same. The students in Columbus used protesting to combat the social issues on campus and in the United States. Boo Radley used positivity to spread happiness around campus. Each group had their own approach to handling the issues that the believed to be important.
  3. I can use some of the methods that they used in order to bring change. I can make changes in my own life to reflect my beliefs such as cut back on my own personal waste. I can also protest issues that I feel passionate about. I could also be more mindful of how my day to day actions affect those who I interact with ranging from family members to complete strangers. The ways shown in the videos are good ways to bring about change in all aspects of my life. However, there are more ways that can also be effective to bring forth change.

Year in Review

| Megan

The highlight of my time in ENR has been the people that I have met along the way. I have met some of the most amazing people through this scholars program. Another highlight of my time in ENR was all of the fun and meaningful events that I got to go to because of the program. I have learned many things from being apart of the program. These things ranged from simple skills such as archery and leading a hike to important facts such as information about recycling and sustainability.

This program has increased my awareness of environmental problems and solutions. I have learned how to properly recycle and compost. I also have switched to reusable bags whenever I go shopping and if I forget a bag, I’ll often just carry whatever I buy. I have also become more confident in having conversations with my peers and family about the environmental issues that the current world faces. I also have for the past two years cleaned the river twice a year and plan on continuing this for as long as I can. I plan to continue to recycle when I’m off campus. I also plan on using the heating and cooling system in my house only a little in order to be more environmentally friendly.

My advice to future ENR scholars is to make the most out of the program. Go to as many events as you can. Meet as many people as you can. Listen and participate in class discussions. Learn as much as you can about not only the things you like but those that you do not. The two years in the program go faster than you can even imagine on your first day, so make sure you don’t take any second of it for granted. Choosing ENR scholars was one of the best decisions that I made when coming to college.